Paris, Tenn.–At its August meeting Tuesday, the Paris Utility Authority Board of Directors approved a new service for Board of Public Utilities customers–access to GenerLink.
Approval followed a presentation by BPU Vice President Bethany Edwards, who explained the new program would provide customers access to a GenerLink™ meter collar device that makes connecting to a portable generator safe and easy.
More details on the program will be available on the utility’s website in the coming weeks.
“This program is really a win-win for both our customers and our utility,” Edwards said. “It provides ease of service/connectivity for our customer while also insuring the safety of our electric workers.”
At the meeting’s outset, the board reorganized, with the current slate of officers reelected: Chairman David Flowers, Vice Chairman Ralph Anderson, and Secretary/Treasurer Bethany Edwards.
“Our utility and our community are fortunate to have an outstanding Board of Directors who take their commitment to the Board very seriously,” CEO Terry Wimberley said. “Chairman Flowers, along with Vice Chairman Anderson and Bethany do a tremendous job leading the Board and I am proud to serve alongside them.”
Three bids were received for the High Voltage Breakers at the Eagle Creek substation. Bids for the project ranged from $162,282 to $208,472. The bids were thoroughly evaluated by Fisher & Arnold, the engineering consultant on the project as well as Paris BPU. The Board approved the recommendation to accept the low bid of $162,282 from Siemens. This purchase is included in the FY 2022 budget and delivery on the structure is estimated at 18-20 weeks.
Also included in the FY 2022 budget is the substation construction costs at the Eagle Creek substation. Seven bids were received, ranging from $972,082 to $1,096,650. All bids were thoroughly evaluated by Fisher & Arnold, the engineering consultant on the project in addition to Paris BPU. The Board approved the recommendation to accept the low bid of $972,082 from Groves Electrical Service in Madisonville, KY.
In other general business, the Board approved a motion to use Public Entity Partners for the utility’s business insurance package. Additionally, the board approved a motion to engage Allen & Hoshall for a solar generation System Impact Study. This study is a part of a potential relationship between TVA and Silicon Ranch but since it would interconnect with our system, a system impact study is required. This study will be performed at no cost to the utility.
In his President’s report, Wimberley introduced his employee guest, Kelly Jo Brisendine. Kelly Jo serves as the Utility Accountant Assistant and has been with the utility since September of 2020 when she was hired on part-time. She transitioned to her current, full-time, position in October of 2020.